Uni + torents

[Georgy291]

Unfortunately my uni (university of york) keeps blocking any sort of torents, is there a way around this?

before this gets bashed for piracy i dont want to download anything illigal, i just want to download latest linux disk and as far as im aware thats not illigal

so any constructive help is appreciated

[LuckyNV]

there should be direct links to linux ISOs, you don't need to use torrents

[PeterStoba]

there should be direct links to linux ISOs, you don't need to use torrents

Yeah, Virgin Media host quite a few Linux ISOs themselves, definately legal

[aidanjt]

Agreed with the above, just use [f|ht]tp for downloading ISOs from your closest mirror (many universities even provide Linux ISO mirrors themselves).

[pauldarkside]

It's understandable them applying a blanket ban on torrents, whilst there are legitimate uses, the risks, and costs, for them aren't worth it.

Distros still have http/ftp links, often faster and are manager friendly.

Edit: beaten to it

[Funkstar]

Is your Uni on JANET?

There should be at least one other university on there hosting the linux ISOs you want. Might even be faster than Torrents

I can't remember what speeds we were able to get off JANET when I was at unit, but I was filling a bag full of Zip disks a week leeching off a friends PC in his halls down south

[dave87]

Most unis are on JANET - and the reason they block torrents is not only the issue of rights impact, but the potential impact on the network - eg to provide the Unis with a cost effective high speed leased line system costs a significant amount, and if they can minimise the cost whilst maximising the resulting speed and usability - good on them.

The main issue aside from bandwidth with torrents is the sheer number of packets the network has to route to allow for torrenting to happen - and that puts a large strain on the network...well, if every student/institution torrents...

[Georgy291]

yeah my uni is on janet. i guess so since its york uni

er where can i find such isos? any specific links?

also id appreciate if someone could tell me the best linux to use for a complete beginer

[Funkstar]

ubuntu is the current favourite isn't it?

and here is a UK mirror by Kent University:

http://www.mirrorservice.org/sites/a...tu.com/ubuntu/

[peterb]

Any of the mainstyream D8istros would be OK, Ubuntu (most peopl's favourite) Fedora (mine) - This will give you some ideas http://distrowatch.com/

This link will also be useful

http://www.linux.org/dist/

as will this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari..._distributions

Once you have selected one or two (or three...) go to the distros home page and that will give you links to the mirror sites for downloading. Many offer live CD versions so you can try them out before you install.

If you are planning on getting serious about Linux, invest in a couple of text books for your distro, and/or generic Linux vbooks. If you are intending to do command line stuff "Linux in a Nutshell" published by O'Reilly is a good place to start.

As I say, I don't believe there is a 'best' - every distro will require a learning curve to get the best out of it - the two I mentioned are probably slightly less steep than others!

[shbris]

for some reason my uni allows torrents once ur out of halls

good stuff

[dave87]

I don't see how they could enforce it outside of halls?

Once you have your own internet connection you can do what you like with it?

[shbris]

no i mean when your still on uni premises over the wireless